Bike Robberies in High Park

A recent thread in the I Bike T.O. Forums brought up the subject of "bike jackings" - cyclists being robbed while riding.

Anthony posted an article about a bike jacking in London Ontario, and Darren S. replied saying that this is a common occurrence in Toronto, making it into the police reports frequently.

I hadn't really heard of this happening so much, but to my surprise today I received an email from the Toronto Police 11th Division, via the DIG IN mailing list about Bike Robberies in High Park (See below).

Have you experienced anything like this? Had any close-calls with potential muggers while cycling? Know anyone who has? Do you feel comfortable riding in most places at night?

Post your thoughts about this in the Comments section.

Bike Robberies in High Park

This community alert is being issued with the intent to educate or remind neighbourhoods, community groups and individuals of some of the necessary measures that should be taken to minimize their risk of becoming
victims of crime.

High Park is visited by many residents and tourists during the summer months. Most have a safe and pleasant experience. However over recent weeks there have been several reports to 11 Division of groups of
youths or young adults "swarming" other youths. The items stolen during these swarmings are usually bicycles, ipods and wallets. It should be remembered that this type of crime can happen in any place that
has secluded areas even on a quiet street in your neighbourhood.

Several arrests have been made related to these crimes. Police presence in High Park has also recently increased in conjunction with a public awareness campaign related to these crimes.

Your safe-being and security is of paramount concern to the Toronto Police Service. The intent of this alert is to make teenagers aware that they are
potential targets for street robbers and suggest some measures that can be taken to prevent those types of robberies. In the event of a robbery these crime prevention tips will provide a course of action that will reduce the risk of personal injury and increase the potential of bringing the person(s) to justice.

1. Tell others where you are going and when you are expected to return.
2. Don't walk alone, especially after dark.
3. Follow the safest route possible. Avoid short cuts and deserted areas; try to keep to well-lit busy streets after dark. Walk on the side of the street
   where you can best see around you.
4. Avoid parks and green spaces after dark.
5. Walk with a purpose and be alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid using personal stereos or radios - you might not hear trouble approaching.
6. Don't flash your cash, iPods, mobile phones or other valuables. Keep their use discreet and put them away after use. Don't carry them or show them in an obvious manner.
7. If you feel threatened or fearful from strangers while outside, remember that all 911 calls are free of charge and can be dialled from any telephone booth.
8. If being followed, cross the street and go directly to the nearest well lit populated area. If still being followed turn and in a loud voice say, "stop following me." Go to an occupied home or stop a taxi and ask the driver to call the police. If there are no lit homes, never be afraid to draw attention to yourself. Yelling and screaming are appropriate reactions if you feel at risk. Run to an unlit occupied home, for example a home with a parked car in the driveway and wake up the occupants and ask them to call the police.
9. Do not delay in calling the police, even if the robber has threatened you; hesitate only long enough to ensure your safety, then call immediately. The faster the police are able to respond, the better the chances the robber(s) will be arrested.
10. If you are robbed, the following information is very important to the police:
    • direction of travel;
    • time of robbery;
    • whether or not the suspect(s) were armed;
    • number of suspects involved;
    • if a vehicle was used, a description of thevehicle and direction of travel and description ofsuspect(s).
11. Ask any witnesses to wait until the police arrive. Get their names and addresses if they can not stay.
12. If involved in a street-type robbery, don't argue, don't fight and don't use weapons. Robbers are unpredictable and resistance in any form may escalate the level of violence.
13. Memorize suspect(s) physical and clothing descriptions, especially tattoos and scars.
14. Your safety is paramount, never chase or follow a robber.

You should also remember not to carry large amounts of cash with you. Do not carry documents like credit cards, birth certificates, social insurance cards or passports unless absolutely necessary.

Bicycle information like serial numbers, make, model and colour should also be recorded and stored at home. Bicycle information can also be registered with the Toronto Police Service. Registration forms can be obtained at any police station or online at www.torontopolice.on.ca under crime prevention.

In the case of a crime in progress, a fire or a medical emergency 911 should be used. In other cases 416-808-2222 can be used to contact the police.

Person(s) or events of a suspicious nature should be reported to the police. If you have knowledge of a crime and wish to report this information to the
police anonymously please call 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.